Russell Westbrook will not be a starter in the Los Angeles Lakers’ final preseason game on Friday against the Sacramento Kings, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Wojnarowski added that head coach Darvin Ham and the future Hall of Famer had explored the possibility of leading the second unit. It will be a first try on Friday evening.
There were several rumors that the Lakers came close to a trade with Westbrook this offseason, after the point guard had a tough first season in Los Angeles.
Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game, while having a 44.4 percent shooting percentage and 29.8 percent from three-pointers.
LeBron James’ squad will begin their campaign on October 18 against the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors.
